Launch type 
Water type 
Parking 
GPS coordinates 
Beginner friendliness Quick Verdict
Dutchman's Landing Park in Catskill is one of the most generously equipped launches in the area: a hard-surface ramp with large parking, a riverfront park with a playground and picnic areas, and access right where Catskill Creek meets the Hudson. It is still a tidal-river launch, so wind, current, tide, and motorboat traffic all matter.
Where It Is
Dutchman's Landing sits on the Hudson River at the mouth of Catskill Creek, just below the village of Catskill. That location gives you a choice: head out onto the open Hudson, or work the more sheltered creek mouth on a breezy day. See the map below for the ramp and parking area. For how the lower creek differs from the upper, moving-water sections, see our Lower Catskill Creek paddling notes.
Launch and Parking Notes
The verified essentials:
- Parking: 50 trailer spaces and 30 single-car spaces, so this is one of the easiest launches in the county to park at, even on busy days
- Launch: hard-surface ramp suitable for kayaks, canoes, and trailered boats
- Amenities: playground, BBQ grills, picnic areas, and summer "Music in the Park" events
Because it is an active trailer ramp, stage your gear clear of the ramp lane and expect motorized traffic on summer weekends.
What the Paddle Is Like
Out on the Hudson, expect wind, current, and tide to shape the day, along with wakes from motorboats and the chance of larger commercial traffic. On a calm, low-wind day with a favorable tide it is a scenic open-water paddle. When it is breezy, the creek mouth and the more protected water near shore are the smarter choice. Plan around the tide and the forecast.
Would I Bring a Beginner Here?
Short answer: Yes, with caution and support.
The easy parking and ramp make logistics simple, but the water is tidal river. A newer paddler is best here with an experienced partner, staying near the sheltered creek mouth on anything but a calm day.
Kayak, Canoe, and SUP Notes
Kayaks
A good fit for paddlers comfortable on moving, tidal water. Pick a low-wind window and mind the tide.
Canoes
Workable for experienced canoeists; open canoes are more exposed to wind and wakes, so watch conditions.
Paddleboards
The most exposed option on the open river. Save SUP for calm days, or keep to the protected creek mouth, always with a leash and PFD.
Family Notes
This is a genuinely family-friendly park on land, with a playground, picnic areas, BBQ grills, and summer music events. The paddle itself is a river paddle, so keep on-water time with kids short, stay near sheltered water, watch conditions, and make sure everyone is in a properly fitted PFD.
What to Check Before You Go
- Tide and current timing for the day
- Wind speed and direction (and whether wind opposes the current)
- The full weather forecast for your window
- Water temperature, especially in spring and early summer
- Motorboat and commercial traffic
- Park hours and any event-day crowds
- See Before You Paddle for the full checklist
Bottom Line
Dutchman's Landing Park is a standout for logistics: a hard-surface ramp, abundant parking, real family amenities, and access to both the Hudson and the sheltered mouth of Catskill Creek. Respect the tidal river, plan around tide and wind, and you have one of the easiest launches in Greene County to use.
